Subscript Eight (₈) is the Unicode character at U+2088 in the Subscripts and Superscripts block. It looks like a small lowered 8 and is common in math and science text such as x₈ or C₈.
Remember
Character ₈
Unicode U+2088
Hex entity ₈
Decimal ₈
CSS escape \2088
Named entity (none)
All of these produce the same glyph: ₈. Prefer the Unicode character (or its entities) when you need that exact glyph; use <sub>8</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting instead.
Reference
Quick Reference
One table for every form you will actually use.
Form
Code
Where it goes
Direct character
₈
HTML text (UTF-8)
Hex entity
₈
HTML markup
Decimal entity
₈
HTML markup
CSS escape
\2088
Stylesheet content
Named entity
—
Not defined in HTML5
Semantic tag
<sub>8</sub>
HTML (formatting, not the ₈ glyph)
When to use which
Situation
Use
Need the Unicode glyph ₈
Type ₈, or ₈ / ₈
Generated text via ::before / ::after
content: "\2088"
Semantic subscript for any text
<sub>8</sub>
Plain digit eight (not subscript)
Type 8 (U+0038)
Looking for &sub8; or similar
Does not exist — use numeric form
See it
Live Preview
Subscript Eight rendered in common writing contexts.
Inline textEighth term: x₈ = 8
Large glyph₈
In a formulaC₈ Fe₂O₃ a₆ + a₇ + a₈
Monospacex₈ → eighth element
With entitiesHex: ₈ | Decimal: ₈
Semantic <sub>x8 (tag styles digit 8)
Code
Complete HTML Example
One page that shows Subscript Eight with the hex entity, decimal entity, CSS escape, and the semantic <sub> option. Use View Output or open the live editor.
Hex + Decimal + CSS + <sub>
Four ways to show a lowered eight in a single document.
html
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
<title>Subscript Eight (₈) in HTML</title>
<style>
#point::after {
content: "\2088";
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<p>Subscript Eight using Hex Code: ₈</p>
<p>Subscript Eight using HTML Code: ₈</p>
<p id="point">Subscript Eight using CSS Entity: </p>
<p>Semantic alternative: x<sub>8</sub></p>
</body>
</html>
Subscript Eight using Hex Code: ₈
Subscript Eight using HTML Code: ₈
Subscript Eight using CSS Entity: ₈
Semantic alternative: x₈
How It Works
1. Hex:U+2088 → ₈ in HTML. The browser turns it into ₈.
2. Decimal: same code point as 8328 → ₈. Same result as hex.
3. CSS: use \2088 in content (not an HTML entity). #point::after appends that ₈ after the paragraph text.
4. Semantic <sub>:x<sub>8</sub> styles digit eight as a subscript. Prefer this when you need meaning, not a specific Unicode glyph.
Pitfalls & Tips
Common mistakes when working with Subscript Eight entities.
Named?
No named entity
HTML5 does not define &sub8; or similar. Use numeric forms.
CSS vs HTML
Do not mix escapes
\2088 belongs in CSS. ₈ / ₈ belong in HTML.
₈ vs 8 vs ⁸
Different characters
₈ is U+2088; digit 8 is U+0038; superscript ⁸ is U+2078.
Glyph vs tag
Choose intentionally
Use the Unicode glyph for exact look; use <sub> for semantic subscript on any text.
Semicolon
End references
Always finish with ; — write ₈, not ₈.
Fonts
Check the glyph
Some fonts draw ₈ weakly. If appearance matters, test the font or prefer <sub>.
Compatibility
Browser Support
Subscript Eight (U+2088) and its numeric entity forms (₈, ₈, CSS \\2088) are supported in all mainstream browsers. Glyph shape depends on the font.
✓ Universal support
Subscript Eight (₈)
Encode with hex, decimal, or CSS escape — or use <sub> for semantic formatting.
100%Browser coverage
Google ChromeSupported
Yes
Microsoft EdgeSupported
Yes
Mozilla FirefoxSupported
Yes
Apple SafariSupported
Yes
OperaSupported
Yes
Internet ExplorerAll versions
Yes
U+2088 / entitiesFull support
Bottom line: Use ₈ or ₈ for the Unicode glyph, \\2088 only inside CSS content, and <sub>8</sub> when you want semantic subscript.
Remember
Key Takeaways
Unicode: Subscript Eight is U+2088 (decimal 8328).
HTML: use ₈ or ₈ when you need an entity.
CSS: use \2088 inside content for generated text.
Alternative: use <sub>8</sub> for semantic subscript formatting.
One line:U+2088 → ₈ / ₈ / CSS \2088, or semantic <sub>8</sub>.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use ₈ (hex), ₈ (decimal), or the CSS escape \2088 in the content property. All render ₈. You can also paste the character ₈ directly when your file is UTF-8.
U+2088 (hex 2088, decimal 8328). It belongs to the Subscripts and Superscripts Unicode block.
No. HTML5 does not define a named entity for ₈. Use numeric references like ₈ or ₈.
Use ₈ (or its entities) when you need the exact Unicode subscript glyph. Use <sub>8</sub> when you want semantic subscript formatting for arbitrary text.
No. Digit eight is U+0038. Superscript eight is U+2078 (⁸). Subscript Eight is U+2088 (₈) — a different character.
HTML entities (₈ or ₈) go in markup. The CSS escape \2088 is used in stylesheets (usually in the content property of ::before/::after). Both render ₈.
🤔
Did you know?
Subscript eight is Unicode U+2088 (decimal 8328). HTML5 has no named entity for it — use ₈ or ₈. It is a different character from digit eight (U+0038) and from superscript eight ⁸ (U+2078).
